Electron-discharge device



F. SCHWERIN ELECTRON DISCHARGE DEVICE Feb 1, i927, 8

Filed Dec. 15, 1923 Patented Feb. 1, 1927.

1,615,958 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

PAUL SCHWERIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY,INCORPORATED, 013 NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTRON-DISGHARGE DEVICE.

This invention relates to electron discharge devices, and. moreparticularly to vacuum tubes, an object being to utilize a unitary meanssuch as an insulating block, both as an electrode support and anelectrode spacing means.

A further object is to so shape and dimension an insulating block thatit may be used for the above and similar purposes and may be formed ofporcelain or an equivalent material by molding. Porcelain is a desirablematerial because of its highly refractory nature, low vapor tension andhigh insulating qualities. When the block is constructed as describedherein, porcelain is also a very inexpensive material, since all of theforming operations are accomplished by molding.

In accordance with the invention, an apertured insulating block withwedge-shaped projections on opposite ends is provided, the block servingto align a pair of parallel plate electrode surfaces which support theblock. ,The block also serves to support a filament in proper spacerelation to the plates. A plurality of wires are attached to the platesand looped over the wedgeshaped projections and crimped adjacent theapices of the wedge shaped projections. This construction provides anefficient structure whereby the electrodes are maintained in theirproper space relation so that uniform results are obtained when thedevice is operated.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrondischarge device with a part broken away to clearly illustrate theinvention. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the insulating block.

Referring now to Fig. 1, an electron discharge device is illustrated,which consists of a glass enclosing vessel 10 having a reentrant stem11. Encircling the stem 11 is a corrugated metal collar 12, thecorrugations serving to hold the collar 12 on the stem 11 wholly byfriction. Integral with the collar 12 is a ribbed supporting member 13,which carries the corrugated anode plate 14. Parallel to plate 14 isanother corrugated plate 14 which is supported from the collar 12 b asupporting member not shown, correspon 'ng to supporting member 13. Aninsulating block 15, which may consist of porcelain, is provided with anelongated concentric aperture 16. Projecting from either end of theinsulating block 15 are polyhedronal projections 17. The projections 17are formed integral with the apertured portion 15 and are provided withinwardly extending portions 18, below the lower plane of insulatingblock 15. The width of the polyhedronal projections 17 depends upon thespacing required between the corrugated plates 14 and may be changed tomeet various conditions.

In the assembly of the electron discharge device, the insulating block15 is placed on the upper edges of the corrugated plates 14, with theprojections 17 and extensions 18 being inserted between the plates 14.

A plurality of wires 19 are fastened to the upper ends of the plates onthe exterior surfaces thereof, by any desirable means, preferably byspot welding. The wires 19 form loops over the projections 17, which arethen crimped at 20 with a crimping tool. This arrangement securely holdsthe insulating block to the plates and draws the plates against thelateral sides of the projections 17.

The filament hooks 21 may be fastened to the upper surface of insulatingblock 15 at diagonally opposite points 22. These hooks are then bent sothat their shanks project within the elongated concentric aperture 16.The shanks of the filament hooks 20 are positioned in the aperture sothat their free ends lie between and are in a line parallel to theplates 14. A filament 23 is positioned between the plates 14 and suported at the upper end by the hooks 21 an at the lower end is held bysprings 24, only one of which is shown.

Although the invention has been described with respect to atwo-electrode vacuum tube, it is apparent to those skilled in the art,that this arrangement can be applied to other types of vacuum tubes.Furthermore, it is to be understood that this invention is not limitedto the use of porcelain as an insulating block, since other forms of insulating material can be used.

WVhat is claimed is:

1. An electron discharge device, comprising a pair of plates, anapertured insulating block, integral wedge-shaped terminations on saidblock, said wedge-shaped terminations extending between said plates andconnections on said plates, said connections being criinped at the apexof said; wedgeshaped. terminations.

2. An electron discharge device, comprisinga plurality of plates, aninsulating block resting on. and extending over the edges of saidplates, integral terminations on said block, said terminations beingsubstantially positioned between said plates, and connections on saidplates, said connections being crimped aclyacent the top of saidterrnlnations';

3. An electron discharge device, comprising a pair of parallel plates,an insulating block, Wedge-shaped projections onsaid insulating blockhaving parallel surfaces, one end of each. of said plates being adjacentsaid surfaces, and. Wire loops attached to said plates, said loops beingindented above said projections.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe myname this; 11 day of DecemberD.,

PAUL SGHWERINB.

